Overview & Reviews

Since its introduction in 1995, the Toyota Tacoma has been a mainstay of the compact and midsize pickup segments. The original Tacoma fell into the compact category, while the second-generation truck's 2005 debut marked the transition to midsize dimensions. Typical advantages to a new or used Tacoma include a variety of body styles to choose from, useful off-road abilities, strong resale value and a better than average reputation for reliability.

Downsides are few. Even when modestly appointed, this Toyota often costs more than competing trucks and prices are high on the used market as well. In addition, taller drivers might feel cramped inside the first-generation Tacoma's compact cab. Otherwise, the Toyota Tacoma is a very capable pickup that's highly recommended for nearly all truck shoppers.

User Reviews:

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  Great Truck!! - 2003 Toyota Tacoma
  By Tom K - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This is my first Toyota. What a pleasure to drive! Absolutely smooth as silk. Solid ride but very comfortable and rattle free. I love everything about it!

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  It doesnt get better than this - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By The Tom - July 9 - 8:13 am

  I bought this 1 year old truck used at a dealer. It gets 18 plus mpg. The access cab area doors open. It has way more room than my 98 Tacoma. It is quiet. It commutes well. Composite bed is genius. My 98 Tacoma was bought back by Toyota in 6/07, for a defective rotted frame. I was heartbroken. This truck purchase is quickly easing my pain.

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  AWESOME TRUCK - 2005 Toyota Tacoma
  By bro44us - July 6 - 6:26 am

  Great truck! This truck is a real head turner and a conversation piece. I purchased this truck after owning a chev ZR2 and there is not even a comparison between the two.

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  2007 Tacoma Short Bed 4 Door 4wd - 2007 Toyota Tacoma
  By John M. - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a replacement for my 2001 Jeep Wrangler intending to do better than 12 mpg. The Toyota delivers about 18 mpg highway (thanks to the terrible new corn fuels that are terrible for the environment anyway) and 12 mpg city. After about 7 months of ownership, my check engine light came on. $6,500 worth of warranty work and 4 trips later, it is off. My dealer kindly loaned me a fully loaded Avalon to drive in the mean-time. I hate the plastic bed, but Im certain the decreased weight saves on gas mileage. The looks are ok, I prefer 4th generation Tacomas (2001-2004) over the 5th. Paint chips like crazy on my silver model. The painted plastic bumpers, etc are a bad idea.

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  A Really Great Compact Truck - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By ursa5000 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  The five words to describe my truck: Solid..Reliable...Workhorse... Practical...Fun. We leased a 2001 that we added running boards, a Leer Camper shell and a bed liner. We have hauled fire wood, funiture, bricks, yellow labs, grandfather clocks, and antiques. The engine loves to be pushed and I have not had a single engine problem. The auto transmission shifts hard from second to first . Make no mistake this is a truck and it is a bit top heavy so no Hollywood driving. Yesterday ,I bought a new Corolla for the wife. The dealer saw my truck in the lot, and one thing led to another and I traded a for a new 2004 truck with ABS and lock dif..

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  Tacoma 2002 - 2002 Toyota Tacoma
  By Khoi - July 2 - 10:00 am

  This is a great truck. Ive owned the inline 4 in the past and it was adequate for everyday use. But changing over to this 3.4 L V6 is great. This engine has so much pep in it. Althought I would love to see how it could really perform with the TRD supercharger.

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  Not a full size - 2016 Toyota Tacoma
  By David Mandle - July 2 - 4:15 am

  Although I am very happy with this truck, folks stepping down from a full size will likely feel a bit cramped. Until they need to park anyway. Then the more reasonable dimensions are welcome.

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  Typically reliable quality Toyota - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By Steve - June 28 - 2:30 am

  Nice truck. Reliable, quiet. 4 cyl has enough power 95% of the time. I dont tow loads. Manual transmission helps with both power and gas mileage. Access doors are just right. Dont need the silly looking full rear doors.

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  2004 Toyota V6 Dble Cab 4X4 - 2004 Toyota Tacoma
  By RRod - June 27 - 2:00 am

  It is an excellent truck. Very nicely built, ver tough, beautiful from the inside and outside. It looks great. I traded my 99 White Corvette Convertible and honestly, I have not been disappointed. PS. I had previously purchased back in 97 a 97 Tacoma Extra Cab 4X4 and yes, I loved it.

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  Too many problems! - 2008 Toyota Tacoma
  By mudslinger - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Replaced wifes jeep with TRD Tacoma because they last forever with no problems? Drove it home and shut drivers door latch fell out of the door, back to the dealer for a week. Check engine light came on at 500 miles, back to dealer two days, crack in gas cap. 900 miles, keyless entry stops working in shop four days while they trace down electrical short. Getting a whole 14mpg in mixed driving, same as my full size truck thats twice the size. 4200 miles traded it in for a Ford Edge!!!!